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Liz M. Colón Alicea, the President of the Authentic Union of Emergency Managers (SAME in Spanish), concurred on Monday with comments made by governor-elect Jenniffer González Colón regarding her disinclination to retain Nino Correa Filomeno as commissioner of the Bureau of Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (NMEAD).
The union leader pointed out that NMEAD is experiencing both operational and administrative turmoil. She mentioned that since 2021, the union has highlighted numerous issues negatively affecting the bureau’s functionality, particularly concerning the health and safety of NMEAD personnel. However, she noted that little has been done, as Correa has dismissed these grievances as personal attacks, overlooking the ongoing issues and shortcomings within NMEAD’s administrative processes.
Colón Alicea provided examples to illustrate what she termed “the crisis and mismanagement in the Bureau,” highlighting the lack of requisite personnel in all NMEAD offices necessary for emergency response and continuous 24/7 operations.
She expressed concerns regarding the disruption of the chain of command during emergencies, inconsistent guidance to employees, red tape in recruitment procedures, and inadequacies in managing the UKG assistance system.
Furthermore, the union leader remarked that ventilation issues persist in various offices, as air conditioning systems are malfunctioning, leaving employees to work in areas with no natural ventilation for months. She pointed out that employees with health problems suffer due to elevated temperatures, and mentioned that similar conditions are present in regional offices, which lack essential services due to insufficient equipment and maintenance.
Colón Alicea specifically highlighted the Ceiba Regional Office, stating that it is currently relying on an electrical generator and facing challenges rendering this and other NMEAD offices non-functional.
Additionally, the union leader confirmed a shortage of maintenance staff due to untimely contract renewals. Colón Alicea noted that a similar situation exists with security services in NMEAD facilities, where contracts also are not renewed promptly.
She emphasized the urgent need for more equipment, emergency vehicles, and uniforms for staff. Colón Alicea stated that Emergency Performance Grant funds are being forfeited because of administrative failings and the lack of understanding from the bureau’s leadership, resulting in NMEAD accumulating debts to suppliers and struggle to secure service providers.
